Art Literacy

Art Lit Training Dates 

Art Lit training is usually the first Tuesday of the month in the school cafeteria from 8:30-9:30am*. Additionally, links to lesson presentations and a demo video for the art project are shared with volunteers to review at their convenience.  

There are six Art Lit lessons per school year:

• October 

• November

• January *exception, training will be on the first Thursday

• February 

• April 

• May 

There is no training or lesson in December and March due to winter and spring break.  

Art Literacy Overview

The Beaverton School District is home to an exceptional volunteer-staffed elementary and middle school art education program called Art Literacy.

WTV's program consists of volunteers who receive in-person training at the school, who then give a prepared presentation to the classroom, play a prerecorded, follow-along video of the Art Literacy production, and facilitate the hands-on art project with the students. Typically, during the year, there are six different lessons presented for elementary and two to three lessons at the middle school level.

Volunteers are trained for every lesson they teach by a site based coordinator at each school. The program’s curriculum at present is based on more than 100 artists, including European masters, renowned American artists, cultural arts, some living and local artists.

NO ART BACKGROUND IS REQUIRED AND ALL MATERIALS ARE PROVIDED.

What is Art Literacy at West TV?

The Art Literacy Program at West TV is a supplemental school-wide art education program coordinated and administered by school volunteers in collaboration with classroom teachers. The mission is to provide the tools for our students to increase awareness and appreciation of artists, art, its history and how it enriches our lives.

Why is Art Literacy important?

Studies show that children demonstrate increased abilities in critical thinking, problem solving and creativity as a result of participating in a strong art education program.  It is important to reach children at a young age to incorporate a lifelong appreciation of the visual world they inhabit.

What is the time frame of this Program?

This is an on-going, yearlong program.  Each class is given a pre-designed lesson/presentation on six (6) different artists throughout the course of the school year. Each of the presentations includes an art project unique to the respective artist, and are presented by Art Literacy Classroom Volunteers.

How many volunteers are needed?

Art Literacy Classroom Volunteers are needed a minimum of one (1) per classroom to present a prepared slideshow/video presentation and demonstrate the art project. Volunteers are also needed to help with setup and cleanup of the room and assist students during the lesson.

What is required to be a volunteer?

Enthusiasm for art and willingness to share your enthusiasm to the students.  You DO NOT need to have an art or art history background in order to volunteer.  Once a month, all volunteers will receive training before presenting each new artist, except for December and March .

Aside from volunteering in the classroom, are there other ways to help with the Program?

Absolutely!  If you are interested in helping in any way, whether it be with program planning, participating in events, assembling art kits or simply have ideas and donations submit, please let us know!

Art opens the heart and mind to possibilities and fuels the imagination. It is a process of learning to create ourselves and experience the world in new ways.

Who should you contact for Art Literacy information?  Click here!